One of the most surprising things about KAATSU is the fact that you can get stronger without needing heavy weights. This seemed most counterintuitive to me. When I was starting with KAATSU, I was going through a certification to become a personal trainer. KAATSU turned everything I had learned about muscle growth on its head.

Common Knowledge vs. KAATSU

From the time I was a teen, the “common knowledge” has been that you have to lift heavy weights to become stronger. The weights had to challenge your muscles – so much that you create some muscle damage. Your body then responds to this by repairing the damage and making the muscle bigger so you can handle heavier weights more easily in future.

Using KAATSU, you avoid damaging the muscles, but you create conditions in the muscle that triggers the anabolic “cascade” of growth hormone etc. that the body uses to for growth and for healing muscle damage. Instead of having to repair muscle, those hormones just trigger more muscle growth. It’s a fascinating biohack with plenty of applications.

In Rehabilitation – Various types of injuries require immobilization for the body to heal properly. Using KAATSU while doing isometric exercises can help reduce or prevent muscle atrophy. In addition, the triggering of the anabolic cascade can lead to faster healing of injuries.

For Seniors – KAATSU has been used in Japan for decades to help prevent muscle loss (sarcopenia) in seniors. Higher levels of muscle strength are associated with lower risks for falls and fractures in older adults. In general, the loss of muscle mass in seniors is a major contributor lower levels of functional ability and quality of life.

For Everyone – Using KAATSU and resistance bands allows people to do a quick workout with higher intensity levels almost anytime and anywhere. Use it at home, at the office, even in the car (as a passenger) or on an airplane.

For those who want to get stronger but have been looking for an easier way, you’ve found it in KAATSU!